The Award of Merit was designed to honor outstanding individuals who exhibit a continuing commitment to youth. Their dedication to the betterment of Nebraska's rural youth exceeds others within the industry of agriculture. The recipients are nominated by those who have recognized the contributions of the nominees. The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council selects the annual recipient.
If you would like to make a recommendation for next year's NAYI Award of Merit Recipient, please fill out our Google Form.
2026 Award of Merit Recipient - Ken Malone
Past Award of Merit Honorees
2025 - Steve White
2024 - Matt Kreifels
2023 - Dr. Ronnie Green
2022 - Craig Frederick
2021 - Sue Ellen Pegg
2020 - Chuck Hibberd
2019 - Roxie Rosenthal
2018 - Greg Ibach
2017 - Dr. Steve Waller
2016 - Gerald "Pete" Peterson
2015 - Don McCabe
2014 - The late Dr. Dick Fleming
2013 - Dr. Duane Jewell
2012 - Brian & Ann Marie Bosshamer
2011 - Jill Brown
2010 - Keith Olsen
2009 - The late Dr. Jack Schinstock
2008 - Dr. Donald J. Lee
2007 - Stan Garbacz
2006 - Marlin Seeman
2005 - The late Dr. Ted Doane
2004 - Dave Rocker
2003 - Doug Gibson
2002 - The late Francis Jorgensen
2001 - Dr. Ivan Rush
2000 - Rosalee Swartz
1999 - Jim Peterson
1998 - Kent Zeller
1997 - Doyle Wolverton
1996 - Sandra Stockall
1995 - Richard Katt
1994 - James Mueller
1993 - James E. Novotny
1992 - Dr. Keith Gilster
1991 - The late Dr. Rollin Schnieder
1990 - Dr. Ron Hanson
1989 - Cliff Jensen
1988 - The late Dr. David P. McGill
1987 - The late John Orr
1986 - Gary Maricle
1985 - The late Eugene "Gene" Roy Bergen
1984 - The late Dr. Allen G. Blezek
1983 - Mary Pat Finn Hoag
1982 - The late Richard B. Warren
1981 - The late Hugo Broeder
1980 - The late Irving Wedeking
1979 - Duane Lienemann
1978 - The late Glenn Kreuscher
1977 - The late Harold Stevens
1976 - The late Maurice Kremer
1975 - The late Archie White
1974 - The late Dr. James Kendrick
1973 - The late E.F. Frolik
1972 - The late George Gerdes